Mehbooba Mufti stopped from meeting families of dead civilians, alleges attempt to conceal information
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Srinagar: The People's Democratic Party (PDP) chief, Mehbooba Mufti, encountered police interference while en route to meet families affected by a recent anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district.
Security concerns were cited as the reason for the police to halt her movement on the DKG road in Poonch on Saturday.
Mufti, along with her supporters, engaged in a confrontation with law enforcement officials as they attempted to proceed, expressing dissatisfaction with the situation.
Following the incident, Mufti staged a protest, criticising the imposed restrictions. She highlighted the permission granted to leaders from other political parties to visit the area, questioning the alleged threat and implying an attempt to withhold information.
"BJP president Ravinder Raina can come here; National Conference leaders can come but they tell us that there is some threat here. I think the biggest threat here is these people. They don't want us to meet those families. They are trying to hide something then," said Mufti.
In response to the deaths of three civilians in the Poonch-Rajouri sector due to a militant attack on army personnel on December 21, the Indian Army initiated an inquiry. As a preventive measure against increased attacks, the Army plans to augment troop deployment in the Poonch-Rajouri sector to counter Pakistani terrorists' activities.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh previously met the families of the victims, assuring them of justice. Noor Mohammad, the victim's brother, expressed gratitude for Singh's assurances, hopeful for swift justice.
"We told him about the incident, and he assured us justice would be done. Whatever happened to us was bad, and he assured us that justice would be given. We hope it will be done," said Mohammad.
Mohamad Sadiq, the victim's uncle, stressed the importance of prompt justice, welcoming the Defence Minister's visit and his commitment to ensuring justice is served expeditiously.
"Justice should be done and justice should be given in a timely manner. We welcome the Defence Minister, who came and met us and assured us of justice," added Sadiq.